But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31(NIV)

On Wings Of Eagles

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Baseball - opening day

Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Opening day is exciting! At least for baseball players and
fans. For the player, the day-to-day grind of spring training is over and a new
joy begins to form. When the repetition of spring training finally ends and
playing games takes on purpose, both fans and players start to dream. It’s a
new season. The slate is wiped clean from all the happiness or misery of the
last season. Off-season moves have been made. The buzz is high because the
record is 0-0 and every team feels as though they have a chance to make a
playoff run. I find it fun how baseball is basically life in microcosm.

The Scripture passage (Hebrews 10:9-18) reminds us that
Jesus came, and if we are in a relationship with him, he has wiped our slate
clean. Specifically referencing Jeremiah 31:34, he says, “Their sins and
lawless acts I will remember no more.” Last season, last year, yesterday...
anything before today, no longer has weight. When we encounter the Living God,
opening day has arrived!

Just as the boys of summer get excited for the start of the
season and games that matter, we have joy in the fact that our lives matter in
Christ. From the moment we recognize the grace that has been given to us by
God, our once meaningless lives find purpose. Where there was no hope, we now have
hope. When we’re tired and broken, we can be strengthened and encouraged
knowing we are no longer alone. We don’t have to fight only for ourselves. We
now have a team: Jesus and other believers throughout the world.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul reinforces our opening day
mentality:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has
come; the old has gone, the new is here!

As you go through your day, dwell on the amazing reality of
your clean slate. Yesterday holds no weight. The new day is here.

And if you feel like you’re stuck in spring training, take
hope that opening day is near and there is a Savior who accepted you even
before you accepted him. Sing out Romans 3:24: “…and all are justified freely
by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Dear Lord, we thank You that as Spring training winds down
that You have already chosen us. All we have to do is choose You. In the Name
of Jesus, Amen.